Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

Congrats, OP, and stay strong !

I started smoking when I was about 12 y/o, both of my parents smoked heavily and I remember our house was always full of smoke....I quit smoking when I was 40 y/o, I actually went to a hypnotist in Tucson because the smoking was making me so sick and I really wanted to quit, and it worked !

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

Smoked for years and years and it was having bad effects on my breathing so trying to quit. Took Chantix for nine days, then said to hell with meds, and going it alone. Haven,t had a Marlboro for over two weeks, how -ever I do get the urge several times a day, but the urge is getting farther apart and easier to get past. Wish me luck.

Quoting: Desert Fox

Congratulations! It takes alot of strength and courage to do what you're doing.Your GLP friends are proud. May God be with you every step of the way!

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

Congrats, OP, and stay strong !I started smoking when I was about 12 y/o, both of my parents smoked heavily and I remember our house was always full of smoke....I quit smoking when I was 40 y/o, I actually went to a hypnotist in Tucson because the smoking was making me so sick and I really wanted to quit, and it worked !

Now for the sad part .... this past June I started coughing my head off and nothing helped, I also noticed I was getting more short of breath, just with normal walking, I had been feeling shortness of breath for years and told more than one Dr, but never as short of breath as I was in June....I went to the ER one evening and they did an X-ray and a blood gas and sent me home with prescriptions for steroids for 7 days and nebulizer treatments, no antibiotics because I didn't have a fever....

Long story short ....by the middle of July my Dr put me on Oxygen 24/7 ....still no antibiotics, said I didn't have a fever and not coughing anything up....middle of August I had to call 911, I had the oxygen on but was gasping for air and I was admitted to the hospital ....pneumonia in both lungs and emphysema in the bottom of both lungs...because I had emphysema in the bottom of my lungs instead of the upper part ( shown by CT Scan ) they did a blood test for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition. Turns out I have two ZZ genes, one from each parent, and cigarette smoking is something I never should have done and should not even breathe second hand smoke. Here is a link, Dr's hardly ever test for this, WHY ? All you smokers who are short of breath, please ask your Dr to test you ! I will be getting IV infusions every week for the rest of my life, which may not be very long, I didn't ask how long I have and don't want to know...

If this is not enough to cause those that come to this thread to have serious thoughts of quitting, hardly anything will. I am on Spirva, it has helped me a lot, been on it for maybe 5 yrs. I never heard of what you posted. Interesting. Here is hoping you have many good years left, but people that have never struggled for air do not really understand what you and I know. I was having panic attacks from lack of oxygen, it is a horrible feeling and hope when my time comes it is from something besides smothering. Peace be with you all the way. I feel your pain.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

I quit about three months ago. I puffed on an e-cig the first two weeks just to take the edge off. Then realized that I was still puffn nicotine. So, I gave the e-cig to a friend.

The first month was tough. Everyday I would tell myself, "You have made it this far, why the hell would you go back!". Your body and mind definately go through some changes. The second month wasn't so bad, the urges don't come on as much. And now I really don't even think about it.

Proud of everyone that has quit!!!If you are thinking about quiting, Do it!!! It is so worth it!!!

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

I quit about three months ago. I puffed on an e-cig the first two weeks just to take the edge off. Then realized that I was still puffn nicotine. So, I gave the e-cig to a friend.

The first month was tough. Everyday I would tell myself, "You have made it this far, why the hell would you go back!". Your body and mind definately go through some changes. The second month wasn't so bad, the urges don't come on as much. And now I really don't even think about it.

Proud of everyone that has quit!!!If you are thinking about quiting, Do it!!! It is so worth it!!!

Quoting: locomotive breath

Glad you beat it, it is a horrible addiction. Hoping I can beat it again. Thanks for posting.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

I quit about three months ago. I puffed on an e-cig the first two weeks just to take the edge off. Then realized that I was still puffn nicotine. So, I gave the e-cig to a friend.

The first month was tough. Everyday I would tell myself, "You have made it this far, why the hell would you go back!". Your body and mind definately go through some changes. The second month wasn't so bad, the urges don't come on as much. And now I really don't even think about it.

Proud of everyone that has quit!!!If you are thinking about quiting, Do it!!! It is so worth it!!!

Quoting: locomotive breath

Glad you beat it, it is a horrible addiction. Hoping I can beat it again. Thanks for posting.

Quoting: Desert Fox

You have made it this far, don't go back. You can beat it this time!!!

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

I quit about three months ago. I puffed on an e-cig the first two weeks just to take the edge off. Then realized that I was still puffn nicotine. So, I gave the e-cig to a friend.

The first month was tough. Everyday I would tell myself, "You have made it this far, why the hell would you go back!". Your body and mind definately go through some changes. The second month wasn't so bad, the urges don't come on as much. And now I really don't even think about it.

Proud of everyone that has quit!!!If you are thinking about quiting, Do it!!! It is so worth it!!!

Quoting: locomotive breath

Glad you beat it, it is a horrible addiction. Hoping I can beat it again. Thanks for posting.

Quoting: Desert Fox

You have made it this far, don't go back. You can beat it this time!!!

Quoting: locomotive breath

I have too, plain and simple, if I want to see my 8 year old grandson graduate from high school. I practically raised him his first 5 years of his life and he deserves me to stay alive for him a while longer. Thanks.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

day 1 for me. trying to erase thoughts of cigs from my brain.

can't wait to be clean again.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 21147872

Good luck, I am not going to tell you it is easy. If you have smoked for a long time, and enjoyed as much as I did, It is hard. I am really having trouble keeping my mind off of them. The only thing that seems to work is food, and I don't want to gain weight. I am already starting to bet some belly fat I don't want. Hope you don't have the food cravings like I am having. Good luck.

Quoting: Desert Fox

Thanks, man. day 2 and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms. I'm breaking out in sweats and feeling nauseous. I could so very easily give in right now, but I'm just going to soldier on and beat the cravings.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

2 weeks??? dude you're done.

you'd be a complete fool to go back now after all that torture.

now never have another tobacco product.

EVER. OK?? OK..

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25141269

I need more time, still have cravings. maybe i wouldn't if I kept taking the meds, but they have bad side effects I am told.

Quoting: Desert Fox

First off, good for you that you quit! I am on Chantix and have not had any side effects, not even a damn dream! I am coming to the end of my 2 months now. Still have a craving here and there but not very often. You have to say to yourself in your mind and outloud to yourself that you DO NOT SMOKE! I also have charms pops just in case I can't talk myself down and allow a craving to take over and that is the trick. Don't allow the craving to take over! Plus try to stay away from smokers for the time being. That is hard if you live with a smoker, but do your best. I had a "scare" that helped me make the decision to quit on the spot. Cancer. Went for a routine examine and found some things on c-scan. That will do it. You have to make the choice-death or smoking, DEATH-leaving behind all the people you love, or cigarettes-cancer sticks that will kill you.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

day 1 for me. trying to erase thoughts of cigs from my brain.

can't wait to be clean again.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 21147872

Good luck, I am not going to tell you it is easy. If you have smoked for a long time, and enjoyed as much as I did, It is hard. I am really having trouble keeping my mind off of them. The only thing that seems to work is food, and I don't want to gain weight. I am already starting to bet some belly fat I don't want. Hope you don't have the food cravings like I am having. Good luck.

Quoting: Desert Fox

Thanks, man. day 2 and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms. I'm breaking out in sweats and feeling nauseous. I could so very easily give in right now, but I'm just going to soldier on and beat the cravings.

Cold turkey is the only way for me.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25621884

Hang in there, I had the same symptoms myself, its harder hell but worth it in the end. I am still fighting.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

2 weeks??? dude you're done.

you'd be a complete fool to go back now after all that torture.

now never have another tobacco product.

EVER. OK?? OK..

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25141269

I need more time, still have cravings. maybe i wouldn't if I kept taking the meds, but they have bad side effects I am told.

Quoting: Desert Fox

First off, good for you that you quit! I am on Chantix and have not had any side effects, not even a damn dream! I am coming to the end of my 2 months now. Still have a craving here and there but not very often. You have to say to yourself in your mind and outloud to yourself that you DO NOT SMOKE! I also have charms pops just in case I can't talk myself down and allow a craving to take over and that is the trick. Don't allow the craving to take over! Plus try to stay away from smokers for the time being. That is hard if you live with a smoker, but do your best. I had a "scare" that helped me make the decision to quit on the spot. Cancer. Went for a routine examine and found some things on c-scan. That will do it. You have to make the choice-death or smoking, DEATH-leaving behind all the people you love, or cigarettes-cancer sticks that will kill you.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1512435

Cancer scare will do it. Shortness of breath does it for me. Least amount of exercise cause me trouble. That is getting better already.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

I quit Jan. 4th, 2012 a little over 9 months ago. 25yrs of 1 1/2 packs a day......The brain is stronger than a ciggy.....keep it up!!!!!

Quoting: sreglof23 21161999

Great. I think some peoples will power is much stronger than mine. I am very strong willed on everything in life, but I am so damned weak when it comes to smoking. If I had not enjoyed it so much it would have been easy, but I did enjoy smoking. Tough. Congrats to you friend.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

OP remember do not empower the addiction with words, if you walk around and 10 years from you’re still saying “I’m a smoker who quit” your mentally training your mind without realizing it and you will always “be a smoker”. Train it the other way, “you do not smoke”. It might take months for you to believe it but your subconscious will accept “you are not a smoker” way before you consciously and personally accept it. Once your subconscious is against the addiction it will want to shed it forever and it will become that much easier.

Silly as it sounds it does work and if you relapse in a few months with the attitude that you’re “not a smoker” your subconscious will be screaming at you and you will wonder why you even picked it up again making it that much easier to put it back down.

Remember smoking is three things, first the nicotine addiction, but that passes a little faster than most realize. Then comes the oral fixation, people get hooked on chewing ice or toothpicks or biting their nails it’s all the same. Finally the habit itself, you fill times with this habit and that takes the longest to get over, you have to change the things you do that lead to you wanting that 5 min break. Changing years of habits like having a smoke with coffee in the morning is the one that make you itchy if you let it. Switching up your routine does help, stay out of the rut of daily routine for a while.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

OP remember do not empower the addiction with words, if you walk around and 10 years from you’re still saying “I’m a smoker who quit” your mentally training your mind without realizing it and you will always “be a smoker”. Train it the other way, “you do not smoke”. It might take months for you to believe it but your subconscious will accept “you are not a smoker” way before you consciously and personally accept it. Once your subconscious is against the addiction it will want to shed it forever and it will become that much easier.

Silly as it sounds it does work and if you relapse in a few months with the attitude that you’re “not a smoker” your subconscious will be screaming at you and you will wonder why you even picked it up again making it that much easier to put it back down.

Remember smoking is three things, first the nicotine addiction, but that passes a little faster than most realize. Then comes the oral fixation, people get hooked on chewing ice or toothpicks or biting their nails it’s all the same. Finally the habit itself, you fill times with this habit and that takes the longest to get over, you have to change the things you do that lead to you wanting that 5 min break. Changing years of habits like having a smoke with coffee in the morning is the one that make you itchy if you let it. Switching up your routine does help, stay out of the rut of daily routine for a while.

Positive reinforcement for the “ID”

Program yourself.

Be well Sir!

Quoting: Chrit

Thanks, I am trying my friend.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

2 weeks??? dude you're done.

you'd be a complete fool to go back now after all that torture.

now never have another tobacco product.

EVER. OK?? OK..

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 25141269

I need more time, still have cravings. maybe i wouldn't if I kept taking the meds, but they have bad side effects I am told.

Quoting: Desert Fox

First off, good for you that you quit! I am on Chantix and have not had any side effects, not even a damn dream! I am coming to the end of my 2 months now. Still have a craving here and there but not very often. You have to say to yourself in your mind and outloud to yourself that you DO NOT SMOKE! I also have charms pops just in case I can't talk myself down and allow a craving to take over and that is the trick. Don't allow the craving to take over! Plus try to stay away from smokers for the time being. That is hard if you live with a smoker, but do your best. I had a "scare" that helped me make the decision to quit on the spot. Cancer. Went for a routine examine and found some things on c-scan. That will do it. You have to make the choice-death or smoking, DEATH-leaving behind all the people you love, or cigarettes-cancer sticks that will kill you.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1512435

Cancer scare will do it. Shortness of breath does it for me. Least amount of exercise cause me trouble. That is getting better already.

Quoting: Desert Fox

Wait til you realize how much $$ you are saving. And then there's the freedom of not having to go buy them or go somewhere to smoke them.

Re: I QUIT SMOKING , YOU CAN TOO. I QUIT SEPT 27, 2012, SUPPORT EACH OTHER HERE

...

I need more time, still have cravings. maybe i wouldn't if I kept taking the meds, but they have bad side effects I am told.

Quoting: Desert Fox

First off, good for you that you quit! I am on Chantix and have not had any side effects, not even a damn dream! I am coming to the end of my 2 months now. Still have a craving here and there but not very often. You have to say to yourself in your mind and outloud to yourself that you DO NOT SMOKE! I also have charms pops just in case I can't talk myself down and allow a craving to take over and that is the trick. Don't allow the craving to take over! Plus try to stay away from smokers for the time being. That is hard if you live with a smoker, but do your best. I had a "scare" that helped me make the decision to quit on the spot. Cancer. Went for a routine examine and found some things on c-scan. That will do it. You have to make the choice-death or smoking, DEATH-leaving behind all the people you love, or cigarettes-cancer sticks that will kill you.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1512435

Cancer scare will do it. Shortness of breath does it for me. Least amount of exercise cause me trouble. That is getting better already.

Quoting: Desert Fox

Wait til you realize how much $$ you are saving. And then there's the freedom of not having to go buy them or go somewhere to smoke them.

Quoting: Anonymous Coward 10564346

Those are the fastest rewards no doubt. Smokers are treated like criminals now, and I will never agree with that. To smoke or not to smoke should be left up to the individual just as everything else.

It's more humane this way ya know, or burn on totem pole. Choice is yours.